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| Enjoy North Carolina State Parks © Katrena |
North Carolina boasts 39 state parks scattered across all regions. The Tarheel state offers a nice array of topography, from coastal regions and plains to the foothills and mountains. State park visitors might enjoy an amazing view atop Mount Mitchell, go kayaking on the Dismal Swamp Canal, explore on a Turtle Talk at Fort Fisher, enjoy rock climbing on Rumbling Bald Mountain at Chimney Rock, or camp along the Jacob Fork River at South Mountain. This is a great way to beat boredom by going outside and getting active with the kids.
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| Fun Family Activities at NC State Parks - Petting a Ferret! © Katrena |
Before packing the car and heading out, consider exploring options with the family, getting input from everyone in order to determine an adventure that appeals to everyone. After determining preferred activities, you can easily navigate the NC State Parks web site to choose state parks that offer those activities and more. Family pets are also welcome on a leash, a big plus for those who love to enjoy vacations with the furry family members. The parks offer some areas and even hiking trails that are handicap accessible – research individual parks to determine which ones best suit your needs regarding special accommodations.
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| Learn About Plants and Wildlife at NC State Parks © Katrena |
North Carolina state parks highlight the area's natural beauty, encouraging an appreciation for nature. Outdoor activities provide a unique experience as each day brings different flora and wildlife to enjoy. Visiting the same park during different seasons might offer a completely different backdrop dappled with views reflecting the temperature and time of year. Those who enjoy nature may be more likely to strive to preserve our natural resources for future generations.
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| Low Cost Family Vacations - Great Way to Relieve Stress! © Katrena |
One can enjoy most of North Carolina's state parks absolutely free. Only three of the parks charge an entry fee: Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, and Kerr Lake. A mini vacation at a state park can be very reasonably priced as one might only spend gas money to travel to the destination. Many people who visit the state parks pack a picnic to enjoy together. Enjoying a state park can become a time of rejuvenation without all the electronic devices and modern conveniences that tend to get in the way of one-on-one conversations and interactions. The lack of commercialism is a welcome relief to many people who have discovered the often unsung beauty of nature.
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| Hands-on Educational Activities at North Carolina State Parks © Katrena |
Learning opportunities abound at North Carolina state parks! Taking a nature walk always provides educational opportunities. Many of the parks offer guides related to the animals and plants commonly found in the area. Rangers may offer a wealth of information related to the park as well. Children can participate in the Junior Ranger program that offers educational activities, newsletters, and patches related to the parks. Curriculum guides are available that highlight competency goals in science, social studies, math, and language arts that are unique for each park as well. In addition, the state park system highlights a different animal with educational events, games, and quite a few resources geared toward the chosen topic. This year, 2014, is the Year of Lepidoptera.
If you have not discovered the amazing opportunities found in North Carolina's state parks, perhaps today is the day to begin a new family journey! Feel free to share your own experiences in North Carolina state parks in the comment section below.
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